mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus

A nucleus of the general somatic sensory column in the midbrain and rostral hindbrain. It lies in the lateral edge of the gray matter, extending from the cerebral aqueduct to the rostral fourth ventricle. The large unipolar neurons of this nucleus are like dorsal root ganglion neurons, and the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus contains the only primary sensory neurons found inside the central nervous system. The afferent fibers of this nucleus follow the motor root of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) to the mouth from which they carry pressure, proprioceptive, stretch, and kinesthetic information; the efferent fibers synapse in the trigeminal motor nucleus.

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